How to Dispose Of Old Shotgun Shells

Oftentimes firearm aficionados store unwanted ammunition they no longer need. And because you don’t want to risk shooting, you’d want to get rid of the.

So, with hunting season around the corner, I thought of the best ways to dispose of these cartridges safely. 

It’s unlikely that you can throw them in a recycling bin. In this post, we’ll learn how to dispose of old shotgun shells.

What is the shelf life of shotgun shells?

Shotgun shells have no specific expiration date. In fact, no one knows the exact shelf-life for ammunition. 

It’s not a surprise to find Grandfather’s old ammo perfectly fine. The lifespan will depend on certain things, including;

• Conditions 
• The model you buy
• What the shotgun is made of (material)

The shell life is relative. If you store your shotgun under favorable conditions, it can serve you for decades.

If only you can treat them right, shotgun shells won’t deteriorate easily. You can probably keep them for half a century. 

If you don’t handle them decently, the ammunition becomes very rusty over time. 

Some things that could end the life of a shotgun include consistent contact with;

• heat, 
• moisture and 
• Sunlight. 

Avoid these conditions because they will spoil everything by making the latter rust at a higher rate. As well, any drop of water that gets inside makes the rifle ammo corrode. 

This state is an issue since it makes ammo not fit to shoot.

Preserve your shells by keeping them in the dark, dry environments. Those who reside in humid areas should opt for a dehumidifier.

Besides, the material that makes up a shotgun matters a lot. The shotgun shell features 3 essential parts; 

• Brass-plated steel base, 
• The plastic base and
• Gunpowder. 

Quality material won’t rust, and at many times, it’s recyclable. The best model will after all last longer. 

What not to do with shotgun shell disposal

• Never throw away old ammunition in the dustbin

Don’t think that it’s safer to toss in old ammunition, soaked shells, or damaged cartridges in the trash.

It’s not advisable at all. Those shells may be active, thereby posing a danger. Never throw them away. 

• Don’t soak the shotgun shells in oil or water

Other users disable the gunpowder and primer inside. They soak the shotgun shells either in oil or water to make the powder harmless. 

They shouldn’t be forgiven for such an assumption.

• Don’t bury shells in the ground 

Even if you find rounds around, either damaged or not, don’t add them to the bin. Don’t bury them as well. People may collect the waste, which can be problematic.

Instead of endangering other people, just dispose of them the right way. 

The 3 best ways to dispose of shotgun shells

Ammunition can pose a danger when left in the open. There’s always the best option out of the best. Choose the easiest and most effective one.

• Recycle it. Recycling animation isn’t that simple. However, used ammunition is recyclable because it is made of glass. First, clean it out to get rid of any lingering powder. Then seek a recycling center around you that accepts scrap. 
• Give away. There are gun ranges that accept old shells to recycle or dispose of them effectively. Even if you can’t or don’t want to use ammunition, others would be willing to use them. Dial the local number to find out centers that are accepting animations.
• Shoot the shells. Provided your shells aren’t damaged, you should shoot them provided they aren’t damaged. As long as the intention is positive you can use them.

Do it yourself

If not, make a sensible decision to take care of it yourself. Here are the most popular suggestions:

• Disassemble and re-use – use the kinetic bullet puller to disassemble bad rounds 
• Bury the shotgun shells in your backyard – somewhere out of reach. This is illegal nonetheless 
• Disable it

Where do you take gun shells for disposal?

Making sure the environment and community are safe should be your priority. Here’s where you take gun shells:

• Contact local law enforcement. The obvious thing to do is to call your local sheriff’s office or police. Speak to them beforehand before you show up with your shells. They may advise on the best disposal of old ammo. Most of them do have eco-disposal programs.
• Take them to your local gun store or gun range. You may opt for your favorite gun store. Some avid gun owners may offer some help on how to dispose of your ammunition. Against all odds, you’ll benefit. 
• Hazardous waste drop-off. Never throw old shells in a trash container. It’s simple – consult the local waste management department. The staff will advise you on what to do with these shells. Be mindful that many departments of the same won’t accept firearms waste regularly; hold onto misfit shells until the collection date.
• Find a shooter or collector. Old shells might seem meaningless to you. However, a shooter may consider them. A collector may even come with an offer or buy them. Just make sure the ammunition is in its original packaging. 

FAQs

Can old gun shells be reused or recycled?

Yes. Reloaders can reuse brass casings, while some scrap metal facilities accept them for recycling. 

Are there safety concerns with storing old gun shells?

Yes, improperly stored gun shells can become unstable over time if exposed to extreme temperatures. Dispose of them if they are no longer needed.